Another early exit for the U.S.

Figueroa helps Puerto Rico oust Americans from WBC

MIAMI -- Once again, the United States could only watch as an opposing pitcher celebrated at the World Baseball Classic.

This time it was 38-year-old right-hander Nelson Figueroa, who became the pride of Puerto Rico on Friday night when he led his team into the semifinals and eliminated the Americans, 4-3.

After Figueroa threw his last pitch to end the sixth inning, he leaped off the mound with a hoot like a kid at recess, then ran to catcher Yadier Molina to share a hug.

"We were supreme underdogs against that lineup," Figueroa said. "It was motivation to show them what kind of pitcher I was."

On Thursday, demonstrative Dominicans dominated the All-Star-laden U.S. squad. The Americans endured a scoreless streak of 14 innings spanning the two defeats, and Figueroa limited them to two singles in six shutout innings.

The Americans have still not won the WBC -- or even reached the final -- in three tries.

J.C. Romero escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and retired the final four batters for his first save. Center fielder Angel Pagan caught the final out, triggering a pileup of Puerto Ricans behind the mound.

The Puerto Ricans advanced for the first time to the semifinals, which begin Sunday in San Francisco.

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They'll play the Dominican Republic today in the final game in Miami, which will determine seedings for the championship round.

Two-time defending champion Japan and the Netherlands round out the final four.

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